Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala Released From Iranian Detention

Cecilia Sala was arrested on December 19, following the detention of an Iranian engineer in Italy. Her release is attributed to diplomatic efforts, marking a significant moment for Italy-Iran relations amidst ongoing tensions.

Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist who was detained in Iran, has been released and is currently on her way back to Rome, according to reports from the Italian government. Sala, 29, was arrested on December 19 after an Iranian engineer was apprehended by Italian authorities in Milan due to allegations of supplying drone technology implicated in the deaths of U.S. soldiers.

The journalist reportedly spent time in solitary confinement within Tehran's Evin prison, a facility notorious for housing political prisoners. Although the exact circumstances surrounding her release remain unclear, officials from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office credited "intense work through diplomatic and intelligence channels" for her return.

Upon her release, Meloni expressed gratitude to all who played a part in securing Sala's freedom, personally informing her family. According to Ansa news agency, her flight left Tehran and is expected to arrive in Rome at 15:30 local time.

Daniele Raineri, Sala's partner and fellow journalist, shared that he spoke to her, and she expressed emotional relief with the words, "I'll see you soon."

Sala's arrest had sparked outrage among Italians and garnered extensive media attention since news of her detention broke via her employer, Chora Media, on December 27. Meloni reportedly took personal interest in the case and met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump shortly beforehand, where her detention was a possible topic of discussion.

Initially, the Iranian government stated that Sala was detained for "violation of the Islamic Republic's laws." However, U.S. state department officials suggested that her arrest may be connected to the detainment of Iranian national Mohammad Abedini in Italy on a U.S. warrant. Some officials indicated that Sala might have been used as "political leverage" in these negotiations.

Abedini is scheduled for a court appearance in Milan on January 15, while Iranian authorities have since attempted to downplay connections to his case. To facilitate Sala's return, Giovanni Caravelli, head of Italy's foreign intelligence service, reportedly traveled to Tehran directly.

In an emotional statement to Ansa, Sala's father, Renato, expressed pride in his daughter and commended the government's efforts in navigating the complex situation, likening it to a "game of chess with more than two players."